Italy looks to carry success in Europe to 2009 Classic
MLB.com
World Baseball Classic success, however, eluded Italy in 2008. The Italians did not make it out of the first round of play in Pool D, going 1-2, with the lone victory coming against Australia.
In 2009, Italy will have a new manager -- Marco Mazzieri, who became manager of the Italian national team in 2007, will replace Matt Galante -- and a new chance to make a name for itself on the international stage.
Though Italy likely loses some star power with the recent retirement of Mike Piazza, the team has current Major Leaguers who are willing to participate.
Rangers utilityman Frank Catalanotto, for one, wants in again.
"I thought it was great," said Catalanotto, who went 4-for-11 with a team-high three RBIs in 2006. "Most of the guys I played with didn't speak much English, and it was great getting to know them."
Angels catcher Mike Napoli, Angels reliever Justin Speier, Astros first baseman Mark Saccomanno, free-agent catcher Paul Lo Duca and free-agent lefty reliever Mike Gallo are also among those being considered by Mazzieri for the Classic club.
Rays outfielder Justin Ruggiano, who played for the U.S. in the 2007 World Cup, said he would play for Italy if asked.
"If they wanted me on the USA team, I'd play there," Ruggiano said. "If USA doesn't want me, I'd play for Italy. And if they don't want me, I'll watch from the couch."
One player who has already turned down the opportunity to compete is Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
"I'll probably be fighting for a job in Spring Training," Saltalamacchia said. "Getting a job is a little more important."
The sport of baseball has only gained importance in Italy since World War II, when it was taught to the Italians by American troops.
But though Italy has a history of performing well in the biennial European Baseball Championship, which it has won eight times since 1954, the country has struggled against the likes of the U.S., Japan, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela in international play.
In the 2009 Classic, Italy will be in a new pool, joining the U.S., Canada and Venezuela in Pool D. The games begin on March 5 at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Look for quite a few members of the 2007 Italian World Cup team to participate in the Classic, including first baseman and designated hitter Maximiliano De Biase, who recently drove in 10 runs in seven games to help San Marino win its first title in the 2008 Italian Series.
Italy will have a roster of 45 players put together by mid-January, with the official 28-man roster secured by Feb. 20.
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Anthony Castrovince is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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